Safety Management, Analytics & System Integration Division
General
FAA oversight processes have contributed to an outstanding safety record. As we strive to make the skies as safe as possible and anticipate future needs and challenges, the FAA continues to evolve its approach to safety oversight. To best target oversight priorities and FAA’s oversight resources, the FAA has transitioned to a robust risk-based, data-supported oversight system.
To support Flight Standards Service (FS) through this transition, FS established the System Approach for Safety Oversight (SASO) Branch, an Aviation Safety (AVS) level program, to develop and implement a comprehensive system safety approach to the certification and oversight of aviation entities. The goal is to improve safety beyond current levels by enhancing Risk-Based Decision Making (RBDM) practices and initiatives.
SASO is responsible for the FAA’s Safety Assurance System (SAS). SAS is the combination of people, processes, and technology and is the safety assurance component of the Safety Management System (SMS).
What is SASO?
SASO is the System Approach for Safety Oversight: a program maintained by the SASO Branch, sponsored by the Flight Standards Executive Director (AFX-1).
SASO History
Since its inception in 2002, the SASO Branch has worked to develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated system safety approach to the oversight of all aviation entities. SAS, a SASO product, is designed to create a single oversight tool for FS where all work can be planned, tracked, and resourced based on the principles of data-supported RBDM and Risk-Based Resource Targeting (RBRT). The RBRT process employs a standardized, data-supported, risk-based methodology to assist in establishing work priorities and allocating resources. The objective of SAS is to transform FS and the aviation industry to a national standard of system safety based on SMS principles.
This work is in alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Safety and Recommended Practices (SARPs) regarding implementing a system safety approach for civil aviation authorities in its member states. As FS continually upgrades and expands SAS, it continues to support ICAO’s SARPs.
What work does the SASO Branch do?
The SASO Branch works in three main areas and in coordination with other AVS Lines of Business, FS Program Offices, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
- Business Process Re-Engineering (BPR) – Support the redesign of current processes using cross-functional teams who integrate system safety principles within these redesigned processes and is available to assist all AVS Lines of Business to meet their business needs.
- Systems Alignment – Ensure tools and technologies are designed in support of these oversight processes.
- Enterprise Architecture (EA) – Integrate the tools and processes into the AVS-wide enterprise management.
What is the SASO Branch doing now?
The SASO Branch is managing the development of SAS in five phases, as shown below. It is currently working on the changes planned for Phase 4.
- Air Transportation Oversight System (ATOS)
- Planning and Engineering
- SAS implementation for Flight Standards (FS) certification and surveillance of 14 CFR parts:
- 121
- 135
- 145
- Incorporated Office of Hazardous Material Safety (AXH) functionality into SAS
- SAS expanded automation capabilities for FS and AXH, as applicable:
- Activity Recording & Office Workload List (OWL)
- Initial Risk Profile
- Maintenance Provider Coordinated Surveillance (MPCS)
- Certification Services Oversight Process (CSOP)
- 14 CFR parts 141, 142, 147 and link with Designee Management System (DMS) for 14 CFR part 183
- Industry Collaboration and Outreach (ICO)
- HTML5 and Tableau Implementation
- Enhanced Flight Standards Automation System (eFSAS)
- Mobile Devices/IT Enhancements (Mobile/IT)
- Data Repository for Certificate Holder Documents (Document Storage)
- Operations Approval Portal System (OAPS)/Operations Safety System (OPSS)
- Foreign Air Carriers (FAC)
- Aerospace Medicine/Certificate Holder Risk Profile Enhancement (AAM/Risk)
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
- Flight Standards Inspector Resource Program (FSIRP)
- Hazardous Materials Safety (AXH Integration)
- Aircraft Evaluation Division (AED)
- A proposed Phase 5 is in the planning stage. If a Phase 5 is approved, it is proposed to start in FY28.
The SASO Branch is comprised of the following teams:
- Automation and Policy Section – Develops, deploys, and maintains software requirements, automation user guides, systems-based oversight for SAS, NPG, and CSOP, and authors national oversight policy guidance.
- Technical Support Section – Develops, authors, and maintains data collection quality standards and plans and implements Certificate Holders’ configuration enhancements for the SAS DCTs and creates National/Divisional/Custom DCTs at the direction of the Safety Standards Office.
- System Approach for Safety Oversight Section – Guides SAS users to adapt to SAS-related changes. The team provides information and tools to help SAS users develop an awareness of, interest in, and the knowledge of changes, so they can more easily adjust to the changes and realize their benefits.
- Technical Implementation Section – Maintains the responsibility for the practical application and integration of SAS and technologies for FAA divisions and the aviation industry. The team provides technical support, guidance, and training on new safety management technologies and ensures comprehensive implementation of safety management practices and implementation efforts.